Despite Rep. Axne’s support for critical aid programs that will help Iowa’s families, farmers, small businesses, health systems, and local government services, superfluous language in the Heroes Act have made the relief in its current form politically charged and without a path to becoming law – denying Iowans much-needed assistance in the critical weeks and months ahead.

“While this legislation includes critical assistance for Iowa’s hospitals, schools, homeowners and renters, state and local governments, and families who are still feeling the burdens of this public health crisis – I am deeply troubled by numerous provisions in this bill that could see large amounts of taxpayer dollars allocated to helping those who are not hurting at all,”said Rep. Axne. “I could not in good conscience vote to accept this Washington gamesmanship, or vote to approve unrelated wastes of taxpayer dollars, while Iowa sees its COVID-19 case rates climbing and parts of my district become a national hotspot. I will always stand up to anyone – even my own party – when it comes to doing what’s right for Iowa.”

“Special interest groups and Americans already supported by massive incomes cannot be the priority in our continuing efforts to keep our country afloat,”said Rep. Axne.“I cannot support adding to our federal debt just to line the pockets of special interests and those who have the means to keep themselves healthy and financially stable.”

The legislation also includes $375 billion for local governments and $500 billion for states to help prevent cuts to public safety, education, and other essential services supported at the municipal level. Last week, Rep. Axne introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide direct aid to states and local governments to make up for lost revenue due to COVID-19.

The Heroes Act contains direct support for Iowa’s biofuel industry, a key priority for Rep. Axne that she has advocated for multipletimes since the beginning of the outbreak.

“I do not vote against these provisions and the others that I have fought for lightly. As Iowa continues to endure outbreaks of COVID-19, we need to see these provisions maintained as negotiations move forward with our Senate colleagues,”said Rep. Axne.